For Sharon Davis, the Brighton Walk to End Alzheimer’s is much more than just a way to raise money or awareness.

“It’s one of my favorite times of the year,” Davis said.

The Brighton resident lost her father, mother and husband throughout the years to Alzheimer’s disease, so the local walk has become a way to remember and honor her loved ones as well as to help others.

On top of those tragedies, she also lost one of her sons to acute poisoning.

Yet Davis continues to smile and keep moving forward.

“That’s all I can do,” said Davis, who participates in the Brighton walk every year. “This walk means so much to me because I know my story, and my situation can inspire others to hold onto hope.”

The Brighton Walk to End Alzheimer’s is Sept. 14 at the Mill Pond on Main Street in Brighton. The ceremony begins at 12:45 p.m. and the two-mile walk starts at 1 p.m.

“The walk is to raise money to further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association,” said Samantha West, Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Great Lakes Chapter communications director. “It’s a great cause and one that can anyone can participate in.”

While there is no registration fee for the walk, the organization asks that every walker make a personal donation to “fight against Alzheimer’s.”

“When I first was dealing with the disease with my dad, I called the Alzheimer’s Association and they helped me (and my family) every step of the way,” Davis said.

When Davis first found out about the walk, she knew she had to participate after all the help and guidance the association provided her family.

“There are just so many memories to be made there, and the walk has become so important in my life,” Davis said. “When you’ve been through it so many times and see others going through it, it breaks your heart. But this has provided me a venue to meet others dealing or going through it and doing my best to help them out.”

Davis said she hopes everyone participates at least once in the walk because Alzheimer’s is “taking over.”

“It’s a rapidly growing disease, and no one understands, but it is taking over,” Davis said.